April 2005

Springs need Friends

Following the consolidation of various enthusiast groups under the general banner of Friends of Malvern Springs and Wells it is apparent that Friends represent the principal interest group for our water heritage. Remember there are no fees for being a Friend. Included with the Friends are the Well Wardens. We are still keen to recruit Warden volunteers to keep an eye on a small number of springs and wells. The Wardens perform a vital role in alerting us if anything untoward threatens one of the 110 celebrated sites around the hills. Friends continue to participate in the programme of joint Springs and Wells events with the Malvern Civic Society as previously advised and detailed in this newsletter.

Spa Souvenir saved from America.

We would welcome any further light that readers can shed on its provenance.

Pictures on the web.

Our storage facilities are getting stretched to the limit with pieces of machinery and artefacts related to Malvern's water heritage. We have recently covered in Newsletters the reciprocating pump from the mineral water works, the Owls Hole Pump and Engine and the large Windlass and Pump suitable for a well or spring. Now we have a steam driven reciprocating pump to consider how to restore and display to advantage. This rather large and heavy piece of machinery was of the type likely used to pump the Railway Tunnel spring water from the tunnel under the hills to the reservoir above. Here it supplied local houses that had lost their water with the digging of the tunnel. We are contemplating restoration of this artefact and perhaps running it off compressed air. While we make our minds up we are investigating its provenance. To find out more go to www.malvernspa.comand click on the Warden to go to the site list of springs and wells. Then click on 63. Railway Tunnel Spring. More details will be revealed in due course. In the meantime yet another item has turned up. This is a caste iron waterspout or tap. It is not all that old but is ideal for anywhere that has lost its spout or tap and needs a stylish replacement. The picture illustrates this attractive item that is not large, being approximately two foot six inches high. If you have any ideas as to how we can apply this to the advantage of Malvern Springs and Wells Heritage we would be pleased to consider suggestions. We need the space! We would also welcome some engineering expertise if there are any Friends who like getting greasy.

The value of the Well Wardens is epitomised in a recent urgent request that we received concerning Hay Slad spout.

'...........but tonight's correspondence is of a more urgent nature, I’m afraid. The run off from Hayslad has not been draining properly for some time now, and tonight when I checked it I noticed it was nearly overflowing. You may recall we mentioned the design of the grate tended to collect bottle caps. When we noticed the slow build up of water in the drainage area we dug into that icy water and cleaned out what we could. However, it has been to no avail as the water has continued to rise; I suspect the blockage is somewhere deeper. In any case, I was alarmed to note tonight that it is nearly overflowing the cement area in front of the spout, which will allow it to run towards the road...... temperatures are forecast to remain freezing.'

Ode to Well Wardens

but not so very pleasant when there're littered up with 'things'.

Chocolate wrappers, coke cans, weeds, a polystyrene cup -

Fortunately our Well Wardens will pick the whole lot up.

Our visitors like quenching thirsts at fountains they pass by:

But disappointed when they find the well is running dry.

Frost and rain and ivy too can weaken rock and stone.

Well Wardens will save the day by picking up the phone.

CFW.

We would be interested in zany further verses for this ode - let us have your creative suggestions, even the rude ones, for the next newsletter.

1^st May 2005 - Annual Coach Tour of the Springs and Wells in conjunction with Malvern Civic Society Wardens. Civic Society members and Friends of Springs and Wells can pre-book a place on this popular trip around the hills. Conducted by Cora and Bruce this is an opportunity for a lively afternoon of fun looking at the famous springs and wells many of which, it is anticipated will be decorated for the annual Well Decorating. Modern day Malvern Well Decorating started on 1993 recapturing a tradition that goes back to the 1860s. The coach leaves Belle Vue Terrace at 2.30pm and tickets will be 4 pounds per person on the day. To book in advance, at a special price of 3 pounds 50 pence per person, please send a cheque payable to Cora Weaver to her at the address at the end of this newsletter. Places are limited so book early.

A flyer is enclosed detailing the Coach Tour. If you have anywhere that it could be usefully displayed it would be appreciated. We hope to fill the coach again!

1) TOPOGRAPHICAL LOCATION:

3) INFORMATION CATEGORY: